Obama advised graduates to persevere, and spoke about the women in his life who have inspired him. Before that though, he acknowledged the uphill battle that students face. He referenced the tough economy, and blamed the media for spreading cynicism.

"No wonder that faith in our institutions has never been lower, particularly when good news doesn't get the same kind of ratings as bad news anymore," Obama said. "Every day you receive a steady stream of sensationalism and scandal, and stories with a message that suggests change isn't possible, that you can't make a difference, that you won't be able to close that gap between life as it is and life as it should be."